India’s Zorawar Light Tank to Get Power Boost with 1,000hp Cummins Engine for High-Altitude Superiority

India is preparing to significantly enhance its light tank capability by upgrading the Zorawar prototype with a powerful 1,000-horsepower Cummins Advanced Combat Engine (ACE), aiming to achieve a 40 horsepower-per-tonne (hp/tonne) power-to-weight ratio. This move is designed to give the Zorawar a decisive edge in high-altitude warfare and directly counter the Chinese Type 15 light tanks deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The upgrade marks a strategic leap for India’s defense posture in mountainous terrain, especially in light of lessons learned from the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff. During that conflict, India’s heavier tanks—like the T-72 and T-90—faced mobility and performance challenges in the oxygen-thin, rugged Himalayan environment. The need for a more agile, air-transportable tank became apparent.

Named after General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, the 25-tonne Zorawar tank is being jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). It is specifically engineered for mountain warfare, capable of rapid deployment and high maneuverability in altitudes above 4,000 meters.

The key to this new upgrade lies in the Cummins ACE engine. This 14.3-litre, two-stroke, opposed-piston engine delivers exceptional performance in compact dimensions. Unlike traditional engines, it does not require a valve train, which reduces size and complexity while improving power density. The ACE produces significantly less heat and maintains engine efficiency even in low-oxygen environments—conditions where conventional engines often struggle.

The power-to-weight ratio target of 40 hp/tonne will enable the Zorawar to quickly reposition, accelerate on steep gradients, and sustain momentum in challenging terrain. This performance is expected to outclass China's Type 15 light tank, which also focuses on high-altitude mobility but reportedly has a slightly lower power-to-weight ratio.

Originally, the Zorawar prototype was equipped with a 760hp Cummins VTA903E-T760 engine after delays in sourcing a German MTU engine due to export restrictions. Although the German engine later received clearance, the Ministry of Defence decided to continue with Cummins, citing its reliability and future manufacturing potential in India. As part of the “Make in India” push, the government has asked Cummins to explore establishing a production or assembly facility domestically.

The Zorawar tank isn't just about speed and mobility—it also brings cutting-edge firepower and tech integration. Its main weapon is a John Cockerill 105mm high-pressure gun, capable of firing a wide range of munitions, including anti-tank guided missiles. It also features a remote-controlled machine gun, twin ATGM launchers, and systems designed for modern combat such as artificial intelligence-based situational awareness, drone connectivity, and an active protection system against incoming threats.

Development and testing of the Zorawar have been progressing steadily. After desert trials at L&T’s Hazira facility in 2024, the tank was tested in the harsh terrain of Ladakh in December the same year. The high-altitude trials proved its ability to operate at elevations above 4,200 meters with reliable mobility and accurate firing. Additional missile firing tests are scheduled in 2025, followed by user trials that will span over a year.

The Indian Army has already approved an initial order for seven regiments—totaling 354 tanks—under a project worth ₹17,500 crore (around US$2.1 billion). The first batch of 59 Zorawar tanks will be produced with the ACE engine, with the potential for future variants to incorporate an indigenous powerplant.

DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) is developing a 700hp engine for possible future use. However, defense analysts have raised concerns that such a configuration may not meet the high power-to-weight demands for effective mountain warfare.

The induction of Zorawar by 2027 will not only bridge a long-standing operational gap for India but also signal a new era in indigenous, high-tech armored warfare—tailored to meet the country’s unique geographic and strategic challenges.